Community Newsroom

SJU alumnus Denis McDonough named White House chief of staff

January 25, 2013

Saint John's University President Michael Hemesath released the following statement about the appointment of SJU alumnus Denis McDonough as White House chief of staff:

"The Saint John's community is extremely proud of the public service of our alumnus Denis McDonough '92. We applaud President Barack Obama's selection of Denis as his new chief of staff. We are absolutely confident that Denis will serve with the integrity and character he has demonstrated throughout time at Saint John's University and beyond. He follows an esteemed line of Johnnies in public service including, among others, Senators Eugene McCarthy and David Durenberger and Representative Mark Kennedy. Denis's professional success is further evidence that a Benedictine liberal arts education is superb preparation for leadership and service at the highest levels of public life, be that in the public sector, the business community or the world of non-profits. We wish Denis all the best in his new role."

McDonough graduated summa cum laude from SJU in 1992 with degrees in history and Spanish and played on the Johnnie football team for John Gagliardi. McDonough was a 2012 recipient of an Alumni Achievement Award from SJU.